Tedder-fork



(No Model.)

J.H.TH0MAS.

TBDDER PORK. N0. 329,242.

tedrOot. 27, 1885.

Nrrn STATES Artnr rtree.

JOHN H. THOMAS, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

TEDDER-FORK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent Nio. 329,242, `dated October 27, 1885.

Application tiled October 17, 1884. Serial No. 145,775. (No modul.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, J oHN H. THOMAS, of Springfield, county of Clark, and State of Ohio, have invented a new and useful Improve ment in Tedder-Forks, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, referencel being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in tedder-forks; and it has for its objects, first, to provide a tedderfork of such construction that the same may yield to obstructions to such an extent as to fully and -entirely overcome the saine, andyet which can be returned to normal position under theinliuence of a spring; and, second, to provide a clip for securingaspring to the tedderarm in an adjustable manner.

ln the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and on which like referenceletters indicate corresponding parts, Figure l represents a rear elevation of my improved tedder fork and clip as applied to a tedder-arm; Fig. 2, a partial side elevation and a partial sectional View ofthe same, and Fig. 3 a detached perspective view showing theinterior construction of the spring-clip.'

Letter A designates atedder-arm of any approved type, being preferably constructed of a straight bar of wood. To the lower end of this arm are connected metallic plates B, one at either side,which extend rearwardlysome distance, and are held to the arm by means of one or more bolts. The rear ends of said plates are provided with apertures and with lugs F,whose function is to limit the oscillation of the forks when the same yield to, an obstruction.'

The letter C designates the tedder-forks, which are constructed of a single piece of wire, and-bent so as to form thetines or fork-prongs proper,as well as the horizontal portions which tit within the apertures?) of the plates B. From the latter points the fork extends upwardly ings of the fork in the ends of the platesBthat the pressureofthe spring will uniformly and without failure return the fork to normal position.

I would here observe that it has come to my knowledge that tedder-forks have heretofore been pivotally mounted and provided with a U -shaped portion,with which aspring is adapted to come in contact and return the fork to operative position when thrown out of that position by an obstruction; but in such instance the fork cannot be raised a sufficient distance above the ground to pass over obstructions met with in some sections of the country without causing the point of contact between the U- shaped portion and the spring to pass so far belowthe bearings of the fork in the plates B as to cause the action of the spring to hold the forks in this abnormal position rather than to bring their points downby pressing against the U shaped portion. This defect arises from the fact that in the instance alluded to the position of the Ushaped portion with respect to the tines or prongs is such that a right line drawn from the center of the U-shaped portion to the points of the fork will intercept the pivotal axis of the fork. An lanti-friction roller, D, is mounted upon the transverse part of the U -shaped portion,so as to reduce friction and avoid wear between the springEand said part. F F represent shoulders formed upon the lugs B B, preferably` upon their inner side, as shown, for limiting the throw or forward movement of the fork G in yielding to obstructions.

In tedder-forks in common use, and as generally constructed, the spring E is curved its entire length,which also increases the amount of resistance and wear of parts. I prefer to flatten or straighten thesaid spring'outtowardits lower end, as shown, or where it passes over IOC) the crank or U-shaped portion, and is acted upon thereby, this configuration allowing` the roller to move more freely,which is desirable.

As an improved means for securing the spring E to the fork-arm A, and at the same time rendering it capable of adjustment, I employ a flanged metal casting or clip,G. (Shown in detail in Fig. 3.) Itis provided with flanges g `r/,which embrace the fork-arm A, extending upon either side thereof and of the spring, and serving to steady the latter and keep it in place, and give strength to the casing to withstand the movement of the spring.

The interior of clip G is made daring or inform corresponding approximately to the curvature of spring E,which is secured therein. Theadj ustment of spring Eis obtained by the employment of a setscrew, I, passing through the clip G, and bearing with its inner end against the outer face of the spring. By the turning of the set-screw I the spring may be depressed in order to regulate the tension thereof or to compensate for wear or the loss of power from use. The same bolt H which secures the clip G to the forlcai-m may also be employed to secure the crank-wrist bearing or box (indicated at J to the same arm A, but

upon the opposite side thereof.

Having now described myinvention, Iclaim as new l. The combination, with the fork-arm, of the retaining-clip, made flaring upon its inner face to accommodate the spring, and means, substantially as described, for adjusting the tension or pressure of the spring.

2. The combination, with the fork-arm, of the pivoted fork provided with the U-shaped portion or crank-arm, the spring actingon said crankarm, the clip for securing said spring to the fork-arm, and the set-screw connected therewith, substantially as described, for adjusting the spring.

3. In a hay-tedder, the combination, with the tedder-arm, of the spring secured thereto, and a tedder-fork pivotally mounted in bearings located at the rear of said arm, and provided with a U -shaped bend atits upper end, against which said spring bears,and which is extended forward of the axis of the fork, so as to bring the axial line in the rear of a line drawn from the fork-points to the center of the cross portion of said bend, wh ereby the relative position of the cross portion and the axial line is such that the fork can be thrown a greater distance above the ground, and the spring still be capable of bringing the fork back to operative position.

In testimony whereof Ihave hereunto set my hand this 13th day of October, A. D. 1884-.

JOHN H. THOMAS.

lVitnesses:

Jas. J oHNsoN, Jr., XV. S. THOMAS. 

